It just didn't work for me this book, it was pretty much set just across one evening and I felt it had just too much going on for 1 days activities and didn't really have a sense of believability to it. I think if I had more interest in the era then I would've found it more interesting but I just didn't enjoy it very much.

Although I am not the target audience for this novel; as a high school guidance counselor I liked to read novels that I believe my students would be reading.
I was drawn to this title and cover. Plus the comparison to ‘My Lady Jane’ definitely got my attention.

Time Period: Summer 1821
Place: Ainsworth House, Belgrave Square ~ London, England

Primrose Ainsworth is the youngest of four sisters and she soon will be celebrating her sixteenth birthday.
I was looking forward to a fun YA story. It is cute plus short and sweet. However only⭐⭐. 5 Stars ~ I rounded up
I do believe we will be hearing more from Jacob and Prim

Want to thank NetGalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children’s Book Group for this advance uncorrected proof granted to me for an honest professional review. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 25, 2021

First, I'd like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC. In exchange, I am leaving an honest review.

This book reads as "Bridgerton-lite". It has a similar feel, but it's far less scandalous, which makes it excellent for a younger reader. Unfortunately, the story feels rushed and could have been fleshed out more to make it more appealing.

Prim, our heroine, has no major defining characteristics besides 'red-haired', 'freckled', and 'thinks she is really unattractive but is in fact stunning'. As for personality, there is very little to go on. She fluctuates between wanting freedom and wanting to be married, finding her mom to be god-awful (which she is) to having redeeming qualities (which she does not), and other little vagaries that read more as inconsistencies in character than anything else.

The one thing that remains true the whole story is that she is a terrible friend. Prim, in a desperate attempt to find the freedom and adult privileges she craves, talks her friend Olympia into sneaking out to Vauxhall with her on the night of her birthday. Olympia and Prim could both get in major trouble if they are caught. During their night of revelry, the two are split up in a tavern brawl. Prim winds up in the company of a young man ( a "nob" who she also refers to as "man-boy" a lot, which is cringey and gross) and of course, there is insta-love. Finding Olympia basically goes on the back-burner, which is totally cool because she's not an unchaperoned young lady out and about in the middle of the night or anything.

The relationship (if you can even call it that) between Prim and Jacob is based on the tired trope of 'I can be my true self around you!' even though neither of them really have a true-self to reveal. Unless 'hot and misunderstood' is it. Oh, and 'horny but clueless'.

The ending is not a surprise at all, and you can see it coming from a mile away.

I did give it two stars because the writing itself is bearable, even if the rest of the novel is a gigantic eyeroll.

This book had hopes of being a fun and light read, but it really fell flat for me. It had itself in the historical fiction category, but really did not delve into anything worthwhile. The story was plain and the characters were simple and kind of boring. The story was fine, but with the lackluster characters that were a tad too whiney, it just didn't make for an enjoyable read.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

This was a fun and quick read. It seemed a smidgen less historically accurate as some others I’ve read but enjoyable. The main character, Primrose, was bold and a great lead. I loathed her mother though! She was so hateful and almost unreasonable about her negative feelings towards her youngest two daughters. The romance was cute.

A very fun regency read! While I felt some of the writing repetitive (especially about how much Prim was in a “cage”), I really enjoyed the plot. It was well thought out and, for the most part, stuck to what I’ve read in other period pieces. It had enough angst and action to keep the attention of younger readers. While I would’ve liked the ending to be fleshed out a little more, I loved how Jacob staged the ball to find Prim and then returning to Vauxhall for her next birthday. All in all, a fun read, but wish some of the plot had been more detailed and more editing for some of the repetitive words and situations,

Primrose has spent her life behind bars - okay not really, but her mother might as well imprisoned her.

From the moment Primrose could talk, her mother has set laid down the rules - Lady Druthers' Guide to be precise - and absolutely refused any and all signs of rebellion.

While Primrose has chaffed around having such strict guidelines for her life, she has played the role of dutiful daughter to a T (or...rather close to a T) all in hopes for her 16th birthday - where she would finally (FINALLY) get a chance to join her sisters at the parties and balls.

But when her birthday finally comes - disappointment.

Her mother is more concerned with getting Astrid married and decides to postpone Primrose's debut indefinitely.

And that sparks a little bit of rebellion in Primrose's heart.

I have liked a total of five historical fiction books in my life - so this is NOT my genre of choice (by no exaggeration) so take it from me - this book was ah-maz-ing.

I loved it.

It was so, so much fun to read.

The characters were well-done, the romance was light and perfect. I seriously want to re-read it, it was THAT good!!

This book had sixteen chapters, with each chapter beginning with an "excerpt" from the etiquette guide, which ties into that chapter (as one of the sixteen scandals) - which made for a fun tie-in with the title.

All in all, this was a great book!

"Love at first sight was illogical. It did not exist." —Sixteen Scandals
Sixteen Scandals by Sophie Jordan is a story that you read with a smile on your face. If you’re a fan of regency romance with a Cinderella-twist, then Sixteen Scandals is the light-hearted read for you. There are not many books lately that I can say I read in one sitting, and this is that book for me. The lack of sleep I’m currently encountering is one hundred percent worth it.

Primrose Ainsworth is a young woman in a situation that would put any one of her peers in fits. She’s the youngest of four daughters, and her parents are tapped out. With her prospect-less sister, Aster, having no luck finding a suitor, her mother insists that even though Primrose is a newly minted sixteen-year-old, she has to wait her turn to present herself to the ton. Instead of bemoaning her situation, she decided to seek out some silver linings for herself. Primrose is a young lady of keen intellect, and fierce constitution. I adored her character. She’s the perfect heroine for young teens, and romance veterans alike.

In stark contrast to Primrose’s character, Prim’s mother is the exact opposite of her, which is why I think this is easily labeled a “Cinderella retelling” because Mrs. Ainsworth is shrewd, calculating, very judgmental, and really has no wish for Primrose to enter society as a young woman ready for marriage. Her mother’s insistence to keep Primrose away from society, by any means, results in Primrose hatching a plan to sneak out and sample London nightlight for herself…unchaperoned. Totally scandalous for the time.

While Primrose enlists the help of her best friend, Olympia, once they reach Vauxhall the friends become separated, and the true test of Primrose’s mettle begins. When a good-hearted gentleman comes to her rescue during a tavern brawl, Primrose gets separated from Olympia. Her rescuer, Jacob, is stuffy but quickly realizes that Primrose isn’t an ordinary young woman. Jacob and Prim’s back and forth verbal sparring is the stuff that I love to read. Full of passion, and confidence, and yet while reading between the lines you can see the attraction growing.

The culmination of Sixteen Scandals is truly swoon-worthy. How Primrose finally gets out of her harrowing situation is what had me reading until the very end. I had to know if Primrose gets her Happily Ever After, especially with how her mother is determined to keep her hidden away.

I can already tell that Sixteen Scandals will be a top read of 2021 for me. It is full of so many wonderful descriptions, heartfelt emotions, and truly swoony moments. Jacob and Primrose are wonderful characters that seem almost magnetized with their attraction. Sixteen Scandals is a story that you can share with your teen, and then also enjoy in your adult book club. This is one truly unforgettable read. Be sure to add this one to your bookshelf immediately and look for the release on May 25th!

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC of the novel for review. For someone in the middle of their Bridgerton induced Regency phase, this sounded like the perfect YA edition for all the historical romances I've been eyeing. I don't know if this makes any sense, but the only way to describe this is purely YA. It was overall a fun story but a tad predictable and unmemorable, just like a majority of the genre.
The two characters were interesting, but fell flat into the usual archetypes of the Elizabeth Bennet heroine and the unassuming duke we all know. Also, any bit of personality they did have was just flat out described in conversation instead of being discovered naturally through action.
I do give the author props for the setting of sorts. The plot takes place over a course of hours and I know that books that are set in such a short span of time are incredibly hard to do well. Either they become my favorites or just end up not working at all. I'd say this fell right in the middle between the two. I'd say this is a fast read appropriate for younger audiences and anyone looking for a Regency era romance.

I'm fine with light-hearted. Not every single thing has to be revolutionary. I'm even okay with predictable in certain situations, but when it became clear the only way our heroine could possibly get out of this was with a man rushing in to save her, I was over it.

So cute, so witty. It's obvious it's based on the film Sixteen Candles (duh), but I felt it made it it's own story throughout reading it. So much fun, sexy enough but not too much for YA. A fun and excellent read.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have really enjoyed many of Jordan's romance novels, but admittedly, I have not read any of her adult Regency-type romances. I thought Sixteen Scandals would be a good place to start. I enjoyed the premise of this book, but I felt like it was rushed. I expected more changes in the main character, Prim, and her insta-love interactions with the lead male character. It was a light and fun read, but I wish the plot had developed more.

Sophie Jordan, bestselling romance author, takes a turn at young adult historical romance and is sure to win over the hearts of new readers. This delightful, quirky, romp, telling the story of a whirlwind week in the life of Primrose the fourth daughter in a family that is on the downturn. Once landed gentry, her father sold the country estate to live in London as his wife wished. Their funds are dwindling and they have four girls.

The oldest Begonia is married if not happily at least securely. Daughter number two, Violet, is betrothed and will be married in two weeks to a man from a rich family in trade. Unfortunately, the third daughter is in her second season and has had no prospects and really isn't interested in getting married. This means poor daughter number four Primrose on her sixteenth birthday, is ignored and disappointed to be told she will not have a season until her sister Aster is married. The family can't afford it and Aster doesn't need the competition.

Primrose has always been an afterthought and left to her own devices she has become adventurous. When she is denied a birthday celebration, she convinces her friend Olympia to sneak out to Vauxhall with her. They arrive at Vauxhall and realize they will stand out because they don't have a male escort. They done masks and decide to stick together to be safe. First they stop at a tavern for a drink, and things don't go as expected. A bar fight erupts and the two girls are separated. A very close call, a fire, and some dangerous thieves make the night more than Primrose wanted. When she is caught sneaking back into the house things go from bad to worse and her entire future has been put at stake. Can Prim be saved from her fate?

It was cute, but there a a hundred books out there similar to this one in the genre. There was nothing really new or original. So, if you are looking for a quick read in the genre, this will satisfy you. If you are searching for something more you will be disappointed,

**Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this title in exchange for a fair and honest review**

The description of this book interested me from the start as I love both Jane Austen and historical fiction. Scanning other reviews before I requested it (a good way to dodge terrible books), I realised that it was based on the classic 80s film Sixteen Candles which I'd never got around to watching. I decided to watch the film before reading the book, just in case there were references I didn't understand but it turned not out to be necessary.

All that to say, I enjoyed this book. I found the characters of Prim and Jacob very believable and I was rooting for them from the start. I liked the friendship between Prim and Olympia as well, reminding me of teenage friendships of my own. It's not often I finish a book and feel disappointed that it's over already. I hope there's a sequel.

The youngest of four daughters, Primrose Ainsworth is used to getting lost in the shuffle. But when her parents decide to delay her debut into English society, Prim hatches a plan to go rogue on the night of her sixteenth birthday. Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book. I enjoyed reading this book.

Review posted on GoodReads (December 16, 2020).
Review linked.

2.5/5 stars!

A huge thank you to NetGalley and HMH Books for Young Readers for sending me an E-ARC for an honest review.

Okay... so this book. I have SO MANY mixed feelings about this book. For one, it was so short. This story was rushed and didn't even feel like a novel. It felt more like a short story. (If it is meant to be a short story and I just missed that memo, I apologize.) I was so excited to read this because I absolutely LOVE historical fiction novels. However, there were a few things that just made me a bit uncomfortable, one being the romance. I loved it on one hand because the main guy was fun and charming and usually stories like their romance work for me. However, on the other hand I felt like the age gap between the two characters was unnecessary and made it a bit awkward for the reader. I would have liked it a bit more if the main character was a few years older. The romance felt way too much like instalove. This, and the main character's naivete made the age difference even more awkward and slightly concerning. The writing and the main character felt really immature.

There were some really interesting conversations happening in the book, especially about gender roles of the time. However, I felt like everything was rushed. I feel like this book had SO MUCH potential, and I kept reading because I could see the story's potential and the threads that should have been developed/could have turned into a really good book. However, the book itself didn't even feel like it had a flushed out plot.

I really wanted more from this story.

Thanks for reading!
Caden

I had a lot of problems with this book. The writing was extremely juvenile and the characters acted like toddlers in pre-pubescent bodies. The kissing scene-----like what in the world was that I thought we were over gossip magazine like advice, it was truly terrible. It has such a beautiful cover but the actual book needs some help.

2.5 stars

Start 'em young in romance! The romance genre has long been read by teens and even tweens. It's no secret that they secretly read this sometimes very adult genre. So Sophie Jordan's Sixteen Scandals makes soooo much sense. Jordan herself is an acclaimed romance writer and here we see her give her historical romances the teen treatment, creating a Regency world for teens complete with headstrong, obstinate girls, flirtations and adventure.

The ARC of this novel was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

“In this irreverent regency romp by New York Times best-selling author Sophie Jordan, newly minted sixteen-year-old Primrose Ainsworth finds herself on a wayward birthday adventure through London with a mysterious hero—perfect for fans of My Lady Jane.”

SIXTEEN SCANDALS by Sophie Jordan is a delightful, romp-y reimagining of the 1984 John Hughes film SIXTEEN CANDLES.

In London 1821, Primrose lives completely sheltered from London society. The youngest of four daughters, she is excited to finally take her place in London Society on her sixteenth birthday. That is, until her mother, overwhelmed with her sister Violet’s upcoming nuptials, and Prim’s sister Aster still unmatched, tells Prim that she won’t be going out in society until all her sisters are married. Frustrated with her dull existence, Prim sets out for one evening of scandalous exposure to the pleasures of Vauxhall with her worldly friend, Olympia. There she meets the mysterious gentleman Jacob, who pledges to help her enjoy her one magical night.

Overall, this was a cute, quick read. It is 256 pages, so I was able to finish it in two sittings.

I liked Primrose as a character. An avid reader, she is hopelessly lonely and bored stuck in her family’s London home all day while everyone else is out and about. She’s somewhat naïve in setting out on her fantastical night of adventures, but is quick to catch on when a situation turns sour, which I appreciate. She's not stupid. That said, there were moments where I felt her inner monologues, the “golly I’ve never dealt with this before” diatribes were too long and ill-placed. It gets to the point where I felt it detracted from the time she and Jacob spent together. They were totally adorable, and I really enjoyed their banter, and his protectiveness over her. At the same time, I wish more time had been spent showing their relationship develop through meaningful discussions, instead of spending so much time in Primrose's head. Instead, it felt at times like their conversations were just Primrose marveling over how rich Jacob probably was. I believed that they really liked each other by the end, but I still wanted to see more of that development.

Also, I wish the revelation that Jacob didn’t want to be married had been established sooner, because then there could have been more room to show development that led to him changing his mind, which I don’t feel we got much of. Still, I felt that their relationship was cute and I especially liked that scene at the ball!

I wouldn’t say this was my favorite Sophie Jordan, but it definitely fills the demand for a specific type of regency romance, and I really enjoy her reimaginings of the classic 80s movies that we all know and love. I look forward to reading the next one! Maybe THE BREAKFAST CLUB can be next?

Many thanks to NetGalley and HMH for the opportunity to review this ARC!